Honey for Cough: Benefits, Remedies & Best Ways to Use It

As the weather changes, cough and cold have become a common problem, which increases even more due to the effect of cold-heat, infection, allergy, or swelling in the throat. Whether the cough is dry or with phlegm, once it enters the body, it does not leave for many weeks, causing a lot of trouble. Because of cough, due to burning and irritation throughout the night, sleep is not completed, which causes laziness the whole day. In such a situation, honey is considered very helpful for cough.

The home remedy of honey for cough, which has been coming from grandmother and mother’s time, has always proved helpful. It is considered helpful not only for cough but also for throat irritation. Its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and soothing properties help in giving relief to the throat and reducing cough.

1. Why is Honey Helpful in Cough?

Honey supports curing cough. The natural properties found in it prove helpful in curing cough and giving relief to the throat. Let us tell you, in dry cough the throat becomes dry repeatedly. Honey helps in maintaining moisture in the throat, which reduces cough. Let us understand this in simple language:

• Helps soothe the throat
  Honey forms a light coating on the throat, which helps reduce irritation and prevents frequent coughing. The antibacterial properties present in it help reduce throat infections. Honey also supports reducing swelling and redness of the throat and gives relief from pain, burning, and irritation.
  
  

• Helps in sleep
  Honey is very useful for night cough because it soothes the throat and helps improve sleep.
  
  

2. Home Remedies of Honey for Cough

Below are some very easy and effective remedies that you can make instantly at home.

Honey + Ginger Juice (Helpful for dry cough)

How to make:
1 teaspoon ginger juice
1 teaspoon honey
Mix well and take 2–3 times a day.

Benefit:
Ginger helps remove throat swelling and honey helps reduce cough, which is very helpful in reducing dry cough.

Honey + Warm Water

How to take:
1 glass lukewarm water
1–2 teaspoons honey

Benefit:
Helps keep the throat clean, loosen phlegm, and reduce irritation.

Honey + Lemon

How to make:
1 cup lukewarm water
1 teaspoon honey
A few drops of lemon juice

Benefit:
Lemon contains Vitamin C which helps in throat infection.

Honey + Turmeric

How to take:
1 teaspoon honey
A pinch of turmeric
Take it before sleeping at night.

Benefit:
The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric and the soothing properties of honey together help reduce cough.

Honey + Cinnamon

How to make:
1 teaspoon honey
A pinch of cinnamon powder

Benefit:
Cinnamon helps boost immunity and gives relief in throat discomfort.

Honey + Tulsi Decoction

How to make:
Boil 4–5 Tulsi leaves in water
Strain it and mix 1 teaspoon honey

Benefit:
Tulsi helps reduce infection and proves helpful in curing cough quickly.

3. Honey Remedies to Stop Night Cough

When cough occurs, its effect is most visible at night. Night cough increases due to throat dryness, post-nasal drip, and cold air. But if you consume honey, it helps reduce night cough.

• 1 teaspoon honey before sleeping
  It helps moisturize the throat and prevent irritation.
  
  

• Honey + Warm Milk
  1 glass warm milk
  1 teaspoon honey
  It makes the throat feel relaxed and supports better sleep.
  
  

• Herbal tea + honey
  Chamomile or lemon-honey tea helps soothe the throat and provides relief from nighttime dry cough.
  
  

4. Use of Honey in Children’s Cough

Do not give honey to children below 1 year
WHO and all doctors advise that honey should not be given to children under 1 year due to the risk of infant botulism.

Children above 1 year
Half teaspoon honey
Before sleeping at night
Or mixed in lukewarm water
This helps reduce cough and gives comfort to the throat.

5. Why is Honey Helpful in Sore Throat?

Throat irritation with cough is a common problem.

Benefits of Honey:

• Helps reduce throat swelling
  

• Helps give relief from burning and pain
  

• Supports giving a soothing effect when the voice becomes hoarse
  
  

6. Precautions While Using Honey for Cough

• Do not mix honey in very hot water
   Very hot water can destroy the nutrients of honey.
  

• Be careful if you have allergies
   Some people may be allergic to pollen or honey.
  

• If you have diabetes
  Take it with doctor’s advice, keeping sugar levels in mind.
  
  

7. When Should You Visit a Doctor for Cough?

Home remedies are effective in general cough, but visit a doctor if:

• Cough lasts more than 2–3 weeks
  

• Blood appears in phlegm
  

• High fever
  

• Difficulty breathing
  

• Chest pain
  
  

Conclusion

Whether it is dry cough, phlegm-filled cough, or constant nighttime cough, honey is a natural, safe, and helpful home remedy for all. Honey helps give quick relief. Even for children above 1 year, it is a better and safe option. Its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and soothing properties help reduce throat swelling and improve sleep.
If you do not want to take cough medicine repeatedly, these home remedies of honey can prove very helpful for you.